Young star details passion-driven decision and pivotal Tony Khan call
Summary
– Zayda Steel left WWE ID due to loss of passion and mental strain
– She emphasized rediscovering her love for wrestling as the key reason
– A call from Tony Khan days later led to her AEW opportunity
Zayda Steel has finally addressed the real reason behind her WWE departure, shedding light on a decision rooted in personal clarity rather than missed opportunity. Speaking on a March 19, 2026, appearance on AEW Unrestricted, the 22-year-old made it clear that her exit from the WWE ID program came down to a fading connection with the craft she once loved.
Steel explained that wrestling had always been her escape, but over time, that passion began to feel like an obligation. As the enjoyment faded, she recognized a deeper issue developing, one that forced her to step back and reassess her path. She chose to walk away to protect both her mental health and her long-term love for the industry.
She admitted that the moment wrestling stopped feeling fulfilling, it became clear that a change was necessary. Losing that sense of joy created a disconnect she refused to ignore, leading her to make a bold decision to bet on herself and rebuild her identity outside WWE.
That gamble paid off almost immediately. Just days after announcing her departure, Steel received a call from AEW President Tony Khan. The conversation left a lasting impression, particularly because of Khan’s deep knowledge of her work, something she did not expect at that level.
Despite lasting only a few minutes, the call proved to be a defining moment. It reinforced that her decision to leave was the right one and opened the door to a fresh start in AEW. Steel now enters the next chapter of her career with renewed focus and a restored passion for wrestling.
